What are the three Jewels of Buddhism?
The Three Jewels, also rendered as Three Treasures, Three Refuges or Triple Gem are the three things that Buddhists give themselves to, and in return look toward for guidance, in the process known as taking refuge. Taking refuge in the Three Jewels is central to Buddhist lay and monastic ordination ceremonies, as originated by Gautama Buddha. Taking refuge in the Triple Gem is generally considered to make one officially a Buddhist . Thus, in many Theravada Buddhist communities, the following Pali chant, the Vandana Ti-sarana is often recited by both monks and lay people: Buddham saranam gacchmi I go for refuge in the Buddha Dhammam saranam gacchmi I go for refuge in the Dharma Sangham saranam gacchmi I go for refuge in the Sangha http://en.wikipedia.
